Local elections May 2018 – Guidance on pre-election period

March 27, 2018

With local elections taking place on 3 May 2018, purdah (the period of time immediately before an election when specific restrictions apply to the public sector) comes into effect on Tuesday 27 March 2018, which means that announcements and activities by public sector bodies which could influence or be seen to influence the election are prevented.

NHS employees are free to undertake political activism and public debate in a personal capacity. They should however avoid involving the Trust or creating any impression of the Trust’s involvement. Staff are not permitted to use any official premises, equipment (including uniforms) or information they would only have access to through their work and which is not publically available. If staff use social media in a professional capacity as a representative of the Trust they should be mindful of preserving neutrality.

If you would like any further information please contact the communications team on extension 5303.